Ann Dembinski announces she will not seek re-election as president of CUPE Local 79

After 11 years, President of Canada's largest local union to 'progress into a new chapter'

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 15, 2011) - Ann Dembinski, President of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 79, today announced she will not seek re-election later this year.

"I will be leaving the presidency with great pride and confidence in the Local's future," Dembinski said in letter to the Executive and members of Local 79.

The announcement caps a distinguished 36-year career as a municipal employee and leader of Canada's largest local Union.

During that period, Dembinski served in a variety of roles, including Chief Steward. In her letter to members and the Local 79 executive, she stated that, "None has been more fulfilling – or challenging – than that of President."

Elections for CUPE Local 79's Executive Board will take place in November. Dembinski will serve out the remainder of her term, which will expire at the end of the year. During that period, she will continue to work closely with Local 79's current and future executive to ensure both an orderly transition and to provide assistance with what promises to be a challenging round of bargaining with the City of Toronto.